Sunday afternoon was brisk, but also a nice day where I live. So I should have been on my bike. Instead I was in my car traveling down a fairly busy road when I see a man on a Surly Big Dummy. It's an unusual bike, so here's a picture.



On that long flat part in the back he's got two kids riding it like motorcycle passengers, probably both about 4 years old or so. He was headed straight at a part of a lane that was breaking apart to become a right-turn lane, if that makes any sense. Basically, he was in the thick of traffic.

Here is the surprising part, to me at least. Despite the fact that he obviously had two kids on the back of the bike, motorists were still pulling the same crap. They were inches from his back tire until they felt safe enough to pass him, and when they did, they were inches from his elbow.

I was a little concerned for him and a little curious, so I hung WAY back for a little bit to watch.

I realized two things.

1. What I've always assumed was motorists intentionally driving like as*holes is really just lack of driving skills I guess. I don't think anyone would intentionally buzz these two four-year-olds, but there there were doing it.

2. I don't think road cycling is safe enough to take kids out to do. There is nothing else that this guy could have possibly done to follow the law any more than he was. He had his back rack all lit up and they all had helmets on. He was moving pretty fast in the right lane. Despite that, it seemed dangerous with all the Sunday drivers out and all. I'm not judging him, it just made me realize my opinion.

I was curious as to anyone else's opinion on taking kids with you to bike in traffic.